Northwest Iowa — It’s October. Or as pork producers in northwest Iowa call it, “Porktober.”
October became known as Pork Month because it marked the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed. But now that pork is raised, butchered, and marketed year-round today, it serves more like a celebration to thank hog farmers and share their stories with consumers.
Marv Van Den Top, a Boyden area pork producer, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Northwest Region director and vice president of resources tells us pork is delicious and versatile.
Van Den Top tells us that you can find more information, including pork recipes at iowapork.org.
Pork producers say the thing about pork is it has great flavor, and because it’s economical compared to comparable cuts of other meats, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to have pork. But, it’s tasty enough for a special occasion as well.
On the producer side, Van Den Top says pork producers are dealing with some tough times right now, but there are glimmers of hope on the horizon.
He says while margins are slim to none for pork producers right now, producers should keep the faith and remain committed to the ethical raising of pigs.
